Sommet Education Appoints Spencer Coles As Chief Executive Officer

Sommet Education has announced the appointment of Spencer Coles as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective February 16, 2026, marking a significant leadership transition for the global hospitality and culinary education network.

Coles brings more than 25 years of senior leadership experience in private international higher education, with expertise spanning institutional growth, academic portfolio expansion and large scale operational management. Sommet Education’s global portfolio includes École Ducasse, Glion Institute of Higher Education, Les Roches, Indian School of Hospitality and Invictus Education.

Prior to joining Sommet Education, Coles served as Chief Executive Officer of the UK based Mander Portman Woodward Group, where he led rapid international expansion, strengthened university partnerships and oversaw major infrastructure investments following its acquisition by Kaplan International.

Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at Regent’s University London, including Chief Operating Officer, where he was responsible for revenue across multiple schools, supported sustained student growth and played a key role in launching new postgraduate programmes and securing degree awarding powers.

Welcoming the appointment, the Sommet Education Board said Coles’s international education experience and strategic leadership would be instrumental in shaping future leaders for the global hospitality industry.

We look forward to working with Spencer and wish him all the best in his new role.